Birthing 101 – Childbirth Class

Birthing 101 – Childbirth Classes

Be prepared for your new baby – Learn all that you need to know

Get ready for labor with our expert labor and delivery nurse Cami. Our childbirth classes will give you all the information you need so you can feel confident and prepared for YOUR big day. This is your opportunity to ask a labor and delivery nurse (and fellow mama of two) any questions you may have. Meet other pregnant moms who are going through the same.

Topics Include:

  • What is a midwife/doula?
  • What to pack in your hospital bag – get a cheat sheet for easy packing
  • Passive versus active labor
  • How to time contractions
  • What to do when in labor
  • What to expect once you arrive at the hospital
  • Managing pain
  • Postpartum and physical recovery
  • Intro to pelvic floor health with pelvic floor physical therapist

Childbirth Class Dates:

Saturday, 10/26/2024 at 12:00 – 1:30pm
Saturday, 11/30/2024 at 12:00 – 1:30pm
Saturday, 12/14/2024 at 12:00 – 1:30pm

Saturday, 01/18/2025 at 12:00-1:30 pm

Saturday, 02/15/2025 at 12:00-1:30 pm

Saturday, 03/15/2025 at 12:00-1:30 pm

*If you don’t see the class date available during registration, it means the class is full (you can email us to be placed on the waitlist) 

 

Class Details:

  • 75-minute class
  • Included gift bag, handouts and cheat sheets
  • Q&A with Cami
  • In-Person only; Zoom unavailable
  • Investment: $45 per person or $80 for two

Location:
The Mommy Center Studio

25401 Cabot Road, Suite 105/106
(Building 5 – across from World Market)
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

About Cami Leenstra, RN, BSN

– Bachelor of Science in Nursing University of Rochester
– BS Psychology Cal Poly SLO
– Labor & Delivery RN since 2015
– Baby Friendly Training Certified
– Advanced Fetal Monitoring Certified
– NRP Certified
– Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certified

Cami is a Registered Nurse specializing in the areas of high risk pregnancies in the antepartum period, Labor and Delivery, postpartum, and recovery. She lives in Mission Viejo and has two young kids. Cami believes every woman should be fully educated and have the ability to have true informed consent during one of the most incredible, yet vulnerable, times in a woman’s life during labor. Cami is straightforward and likes to keep it real, and no question is off limits.

About Whitney Sippl, PT, DPT, WCS

– Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin
– Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Long Island University

Whitney is board certified as a women’s clinical specialist. Whitney is passionate about pre/postnatal care and believes physical therapy services during pregnancy and after delivery should be standard of care in the US, like it is in other countries. She is devoted to promoting awareness, well being, and healing of her patients with a goal of empowering women during the prenatal and postnatal periods to address any of their discomforts or concerns. Many women are told that symptoms such as incontinence, painful intercourse, scar pain, pelvic girdle/back pain, or abdominal separation are normal after having a baby; however, although these conditions may be common, they are not “normal” and there are many techniques available to address these concerns.

Postpartum Essentials Every Mom Needs

Giving birth and finally meeting your sweet baby boy or baby girl is truly magical and the most beautiful feeling ever. Everyone prepares for their new baby by packing their hospital bag, getting the nursery ready, buying all the baby essentials but rarely do we talk about the not so magical and glamorous part: postpartum. Well this part is not pretty but very important. So let’s get to it! @heymamas18 and I will be sharing our ultimate postpartum essentials checklist.

Click here to watch the video with @heymamas18: 

Hope you found this list helpful!

Sitz Bath

Ok, recovering from vaginal labor is no joke. Especially if you had stitches, your little friend hurts and needs special care. A sitz bath can be very comforting. Submerging in the water can truly relieve the pain. It boosts blood flow and speeds up the healing time. It also helps the cleaning process while you cannot use soap. Another benefit is that you get 20 minutes twice a day to yourself where no one can bother you

Peri bottle

Here we go another new tool you need in the bathroom. Urinating after giving birth stings, so using a peri bottle is super helpful. It can receive pain during urination if you use warm water by rinsing your perineum. It makes cleaning down there much easier too.

Stool Softeners

Following labor, especially if you had stitches, going #2 for the first time can be terrifying. Stool softeners help you decrease some of the pain and fear.

Tucks wipes

Say hello to your new best friend Which Hazel. After labor, you’ll most likely experience uncomfortable swelling, pain, and itching in the perineum area. Tucks wipes which contain witch hazel can help with both comment issues: the swelling and itching of the perineum and hemorrhoids.

Ice packs

Another way to soothe your lady parts is by using ice packs. The hospital provides amazing long icepacks so when you checkup, be sure to ask for extras. If you run out, you can order them online as well.

Adult diapers or pads

The average postpartum bleeding typically lasts about two or three weeks postpartum. You can use pads or adult diapers. I preferred adult diapers the at the beginning. Especially overnight it was more comfortable.

Grammy Undies

While you are sore down there, you definitely want to wear some big and loose underwear. Say bye-bye to your sexy and cute lace thongs and cheeky briefs. Comfortable and stretchy underwear is a must during recovery.

Nipple cream

If you are nursing, nipple cream is a must. Breastfeeding is an amazing experience but it can also be painful for many mamas. The frequent sucking can leave nipples feeling raw and chapped. So load up on nipple cream and use it regularly (safe ones for baby of course).

Nursing tops

Another essential if you are nursing is a nursing top. If you are like me, you don’t wanna be wearing a bra at home. I was LIVING in a nursing top for the first few months. It is so quick and easy to feed your baby without having to go through two or more layers.

Nursing Pads

At the beginning, your breasts are still adjusting to the amount of milk you are producing. Especially when you are engorged, you’re milk will be leaking so have nursing pads ready at all times. I was wearing my nursing tops and changed my pads 2-3 times a day.

Comfy Pants and Robe

After delivery, your body is still recovering from the pregnancy so you are not back to you’re pre-pregnancy tummy right away. Therefore, get yourself some loose and comfy pants to wear at home (with enough room for an adult diaper). If you are nursing, a robe is essential. You don’t wanna be taking off your sweater or open the side if you have a nursing top each time you need to nurse. A robe is so practical during breastfeeding.

Post pardum Leggings

When you are ready to get out of the house the first time, wear some leggings. I found these awesome postpartum leggings that have a belly support band and were very stretchy.

Belly bandit Wrap

A lot of moms I know swear by this product. According to its description, the adjustable, form-fitting belly wrap is designed to hug your post-pregnancy tummy and help you feel comfortable and secure for up to eight weeks after giving birth.

Vitamins

Consult with your healthcare provider but typically it is recommended to continue taking your prenatal vitamin postpartum and while you continue to nurse.

Ibuprofen

This is probably one of the most important essentials! Ibuprofen is really you’re best friend during recovery. Yes, it hurts giving birth, but recovery also hurts. No, there is no epidural afterwards

TV Shows

While you are nursing/bottle feeding or finally relaxing while baby sleeps and you finished the never-ending laundry/dishes, watch some fun TV Shows. One of my favorites was “The Let Down”. I wasn’t sure if I should be crying or laughing. It truly portrayed motherhood sooo well.

Water-jug or cup with straw

For those times when you are nursing/bottle feeding, you will be thirsty and have your hands full. A cup or bottle with a straw is very convenient.

Snacks

Last, but not least you NEED snacks. Especially if you are nursing. When you are breastfeeding you can burn between 200-500 calories a day, so you need lots of snacks and water. I loved having granola bars and oatmeal cookies ready.